Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links.

Crispy and crunchy this Copycat Capitan D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe will be your new go-to fish obsession. Super delicious, flaky, and out of this world!

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (1)

I’m in love with Captain’ D’s Battered Fish. It’s one of my biggest guilty pleasures, a huge pile of fried fish from Captain D’s! Ugh, it is just so glorious!

Crispy battered flaky white fish that is moist inside, I don’t know if it can get much better than this! Now, with today’s copycat recipe you can make one of my biggest guilty pleasures right in your own kitchen!

Living on the coast, you know that I’m a huge fish lover, but sometimes there are some pleasures that don’t quite come from that fresh-caught goodness we are used to.

This Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe is one of my favorites to make at home, and we make it more often than not. It literally is our go-to battered fish recipe.

Everything with this recipe just works so well together that you just can’t stop eating it! I’m one of those people where I have to have each bite perfectly put together.

A squeeze of lemon, dip in co*cktail sauce and I’m in crunchy heaven! Trust me when I say that you will be too once you try this awesome recipe.

Some of our other favorite fish recipes we have on our site include: Beer Battered Fish (with pancake mix), Easy Chimichurri Fish Tacos and Teriyaki Salmon.

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (2)

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  • Super common ingredients are used in this recipe!
  • Cod is the fish of choice, it is available everywhere.
  • This has just the perfect amount of crunch that will satisfy each and every bite.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE BELOW):

Cod fillets
Paprika
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Black pepper
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ice cold water
Peanut oil for frying

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (3)

HOW TO MAKE CAPTAIN D’S CRUNCHY BATTERED FISH RECIPE:

  1. Cut fish in 1 1/2 inch strips. Place the cut fish in a plastic bag and season with 1 teaspoon of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Close the bag and toss the fish until coated. Add in 2 tablespoons of flour and toss again.
  2. Make the batter by placing the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper into a large bowl and stir it together. Whisk in the water until it forms a batter similar to the consistency of pancake batter. If you need a little more water to get the right consistency, do so now.
  3. Heat the oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F, you can also use an electric deep fryer as well.
  4. Place the fish in the batter, mix to combine with hands until all pieces are coated while the oil is heating.
  5. When the oil is hot, add the fish piece by piece into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan, you will have to do this in batches. Flipping halfway through the cooking process takes about 8-10 minutes total.
  6. When the fish has an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown, take out of the oil using tongs and place them on a wire rack over a sheet tray. Sprinkle with more kosher salt immediately out of the oil so it will stick to the fish.
  7. Keep cooking until all the fish is done. Serve with your favorite condiments like co*cktail sauce or tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (4)

WHAT KIND OF OIL IS BEST FOR FRYING FISH?

While we always love to use peanut oil as we feel it gives the best flavor you can also use, shortening, canola oil, and vegetable oil as well.

Whatever you choose will work. Peanut oil is more expensive but it really does in my opinion give the best flavor overall.

WHY IS MY FISH NOT CRISPY?

The two main reasons for this is the batter and the oil. You don’t want a thick batter so if it is thick, you might want to try thinning it out slightly with some more water.

Also, you want to get your oil preheated correctly. Do not fry your fish until the oil has come to temperature, it will either burn the outside or the fish will cook too slowly on the inside.

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (5)

HOW TO STORE THIS CRUNCHY BATTERED FISH RECIPE:

This Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. That is the maximum for this recipe.

You can reheat in the oven on a low setting until heated through so you don’t lose any crispiness and it will add a little crispiness to it. Sitting in the refrigerator will make it turn a little soggy over time.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Cod is our favorite choice of fish for this recipe but any other white flaky fish will works.
  • Make sure you use ice-cold water in the batter.
  • You do not want to overcrowd your frying pan, otherwise, the fish will not cook evenly.
  • This is great served with all of your favorite dipping sauces.
  • Having a fish fry? This can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people.

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (6)

If you love a good copycat recipe like I do and adore fish then you have to try my Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe!

If you like this Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe you might also like:

  • Lobster Rolls
  • Homemade French Fries (great for a side)
  • Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

If you’ve tried this CRUNCHY BATTERED FISH RECIPE let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe

4.98 from 42 votes

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Crispy and crunchy this Copycat Capitan D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe will be your new go-to fish obsession. Super delicious, flaky and out of this world!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Cod fillets or any white flaky fish fresh is best!
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the batter:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ice cold water plus more if needed
  • Peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  • Cut fish in 1 1/2 inch strips. Place the cut fish in a plastic bag and season with 1 teaspoon of the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Close the bag and toss the fish until coated. Add in 2 tablespoons of flour and toss again.

  • Make the batter by placing the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper into a large bowl and stir it together. Whisk in the water until it forms a batter similar to the consistency of pancake batter. If you need a little more water to get the right consistency, do so now.

  • Heat the oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F, you can also use an electric deep fryer as well.

  • Place the fish in the batter, mix to combine with hands until all pieces are coated while the oil is heating.

  • When the oil is hot, add the fish piece by piece into the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan, you will have to do this in batches. Flipping halfway through the cooking process takes about 8-10 minutes total.

  • When the fish has an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown, take out of the oil using tongs and place them on a wire rack over a sheet tray. Sprinkle with more kosher salt immediately out of the oil so it will stick to the fish.

  • Keep cooking until all the fish is done. Serve with your favorite condiments like co*cktail sauce or tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 1113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

Love this recipe?Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen for even more delicious recipes!!

Copycat Captain D's Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What kind of battered fish does Captain D's use? ›

Pollock. Our Pollock is wild-caught, one of the most popular kinds of seafood in the United States and one of the most plentiful species in the world. We batter dip our Pollock by hand in restaurant daily.

Why is my battered fish not crispy? ›

Batter viscosity is also important. If the wet batter is too thick (in consistency) your cooked batter will be thick (in depth) around the fish and tends to soak up too much oil. Too watery on the other hand and it won't coat the fish properly, and will go soggy quickly.

What makes fish batter soggy? ›

If your oil is not hot enough, you'll most likely end up with a soggy coating saturated with oil. Too hot, and you'll have burnt batter on the outside and possibly raw fish on the inside.

Are Pollock and Cod the same? ›

They do look similar, but there are are a few differences between the two. First, Pollock has a milder flavor than Cod. Second, Pollock can lose its shape a lot quicker if overcooked. Cod meat is a little firmer, but still flaky and tender when prepared correctly.

What kind of fish is Gorton's beer battered fish? ›

INGREDIENTS: Alaska Pollock fillets, batter coating, vegetable oil.

What makes batter more crispy? ›

Rice flour and cornstarch work particularly well because they fry up crispier than wheat flour. They also absorb less moisture and fat during the frying process, making the products less greasy. This is why rice flour is often used when making tempura because it produces a very thin and crispy, dry crust.

How to get dry batter to stick to fish? ›

If you need to use flour dip fish in flour, then in beaten eggs and then back in flour again. Dip it in flour first, shake off the excess flour and then dip in beaten egg. Shake off the runny egg and then coat it with bread crumbs. Press the crumbs against the fish or chicken then shake off the excess crumbs.

Does flour help batter stick to fish? ›

Make the Batter

Dip fish pieces into the flour, turning to coat all sides, and shake off excess flour. The flour will help the batter stick to the fish.

What is the best oil for battered fish? ›

Best Oil to Fry Fish. Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordable price, and high smoke point, canola oil is the most popular oil for frying fish. Peanut, cottonseed, and coconut oil are also great fish frying oils.

Why is a thick batter needed when making battered fish? ›

Gary Rhodes is a firm advocate of thick batter, writing in Rhodes Around Britain that the only secret to great fried fish is to "make sure the batter is very thick, almost too thick" so as the fish cooks, it soufflés around it, keeping it light and crisp. "If it's too thin, it will stick to the fish and become heavy".

How do you're crisp battered fish? ›

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread your fish in a dish or pan and cover it with loose foil if it is unbreaded. If your fish is breaded or battered, you can leave it uncovered to help return the crispiness; however, you may lose the moisture. Reheat the fish for 10-15 minutes and flip it over every 5 minutes.

Why add egg to fish batter? ›

Batters made with beer or soda water are leavened by the carbonation in the liquid. Eggs, dairy ingredients, sugar, turmeric or paprika an all help the batter develop a richer golden-brown color. Batter should be light, crisp and not taste of oil.

Should you dredge fish before battering? ›

There are a few standout ingredients that are essential to the success of this recipe: First, dredging the fish in seasoned cornstarch ensures that the batter will stick and mixing more cornstarch into the batter yields that light, crispy coating.

Is pollock a good fish to eat? ›

Like tuna or salmon, pollock is a good source of protein and is low in saturated fat. Pollock is also low in calories and a good source of vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. Other nutritional minerals you can find in pollock include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin A.

What type of fish does Long John Silver's use? ›

Long John Silver's wild-caught Cod and Pollack come from the icy waters of the North Pacific Ocean, one of the best-managed and most sustainable fisheries in the world. LJS fish is fresh-caught, and flash-frozen while still aboard the fishing boats to lock in the flavor.

What kind of fish is pollock? ›

Pollock is a member of the cod family. They can grow as long as 3 feet but typically reach lengths between 12 and 20 inches and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. They have speckled coloring that helps them blend in with the seafloor to avoid predators.

Is Alaskan pollock high in mercury? ›

Harvested in the clean, remote waters of Alaska, Wild Alaska Pollock is mercury-safe and can be enjoyed in unrestricted amounts.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 5913

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.